DMW checking info OFWs in Milan lost P39 million to illegal recruiters

A street in Milan, Italy. (File photo by Miguel MEDINA / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is set to look into reports that alleged illegal recruiters in Italy are preying on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), 215 Filipinos lost about P39 million to two Milan-based agencies that offered them jobs in Italy in exchange for exorbitant placement fees.

In a statement on Monday, DMW said it is collaborating with the Philippine Consulate General and the DMW Migrant Workers Office, both in Milan, as well as with DFA in Pasay City, to probe into this alleged scam.

“The DMW is also working with the Department of Justice through our Migrant Workers Protection Bureau in documenting and investigating the complaints of nearly 100 victims last week,” the department added.

DMW warned the public against offers of deceptive overseas jobs and the collection of excessive placement fees.

It encourages victims of illegal recruitment to contact the department so that they can be provided with assistance in filing their cases.

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